There is no significant scientific evidence that pumpkin seeds can help get rid of parasites. Neither WHO nor the US National Health Service makes this recommendation. How many seeds you need to eat, too, no one will say for sure. There is no verified data from medical organizations on this score. We will tell you how to get rid of parasites and whether it is worth eating pumpkin seeds at all.
How to tell if you have parasites
Itself at home will not be able to understand if there are parasites. Often these uninvited roommates do not show themselves in any way. They can only be seen in the toilet after going to the toilet or in vomit.
Many of the symptoms that indicate parasites may in fact be signs of many other diseases. For example, diarrhea, bloody stools, nausea or vomiting can still be symptoms of poisoning or gastrointestinal disease.
And it happens the other way around. Symptoms that have nothing to do with digestion and bowel function may indicate that parasites are present in the body. For example, ascaris larvae may end up in the lungs. Then the person will be tormented by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. It may seem like he has bronchitis or pneumonia.
Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after examination and examination. Therefore, it is better to go to a therapist right away.
If the doctor confirms your suspicions, he will recommend a stool test. Such a test may be prescribed if diarrhea, cramps, flatulence and other unpleasant symptoms from the intestines occur regularly.
Less commonly, endoscopic examinations are used, when a tube with a camera at the end is inserted into the mouth or anus. This is done only if nothing was found in the feces, but the doctor has reason to assume the presence of parasites.
In some cases, a blood test is performed for antibodies and antigens with which the body responds to possible infection. If tests and endoscopy have failed to find parasites, your doctor may order an MRI, X-ray, or computed tomography. But this is very rare.
How to get rid of parasites
There are many popular recipes on how to remove parasites with tansy decoction, red pepper, garlic or soda. But the dosage of the ingredients is not clear, and these methods cannot be called effective. There is also no verified data on how herbal treatment works. In addition, all these methods do not take into account possible side effects and allergic reactions.
There are effective medications that can help get rid of parasites. Such medicines should not be taken for the sake of prophylaxis or prescribe to yourself on your own, because different parasites need different remedies. Only a doctor selects the appropriate drug and its dosage.
Pumpkin seeds will not help at all in the fight against parasites?
Very, very unlikely: there are many parasites, and science does not know which worms they can help from. But if you really want to add pumpkin seeds to taking medications, you will not harm yourself. Pumpkin seeds are healthy and contain 13 mg of iron per 100 grams. The iron norm for men over 18 years old and women over 50 years old is 8. 7 mg per day, and for women from 19 to 50 years old - 14. 8 mg per day. It is needed to create red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron can also be obtained from meat, dried fruits, legumes and nuts.
Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or roasted. Add them to baked goods, salads and cereals if you are not allergic. For plant iron to be absorbed better, eat foods with vitamin C - citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, currants, potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
How to avoid being infected with parasites
The main risk factors are young age, warm climate and poor hygiene. For example, children under 10 years old can become carriers of roundworms and pinworms, because they often do not wash their hands, like to play in the mud and jump in puddles.
To prevent the appearance of parasites, follow these rules:
- Drink only bottled water in unsanitary areas.
- Do not eat pre-cut fruits and vegetables, for example, in markets.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not kiss animals and wash your hands after handling them.
- Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
- Try not to eat raw seafood.
- Heat meat, fish and poultry until cooked.
If it seems to you that you have got parasites, or you were able to see them, do not search on the Internet in what proportion to mix soda and red pepper. Most parasitic infections are now treated very simply. For example, one dose of mebendazole helps with pinworms, and another dose after a couple of weeks. Go to your doctor right away and drink drugs only according to his prescription - if the dosage is incorrect, they can be toxic.
Contact your pediatrician if your child is infected with the parasite. If you have them, see your general practitioner or general practitioner.